Did the web fail the iPhone? — Ian might be right, but not because of Steve's announcement today about opening up the iPhone. — Indeed, my reaction so far has been one of quasi-resignation and disappointment. — A voice inside me whimpers, "Don't give up on the web, Steve! Not yet!"

Apple planning iPhone SDK for February! — Well, would you look at that. Apple apparently wants third party applications on the iPhone and iPod touch just like every other sane individual on the planet. The company just announced on its Hot News feed (and we'd say this certainly qualifies as such) …

Startups Should Team Up to Grow — Earlier this week, MeeVee, an online television guide, decided to acquire Top Ten Sources, a Boston-based social news and information site. Last night, Next New Networks bought BarelyPolitical.com, the production company responsible for Obama Girl, for an undisclosed amount of money.

Automattic Acquires Gravatar — The best ideas are often the simplest. (At least in hindsight.) The idea of globally-recognized avatar, or Gravatar, struck me from the first time I heard it. Of course I should be able to have my avatar wherever I go! Of course email is a great way to key it!

Portable Media: Nokia N810 Internet Tablet Officially Announced — As we foreshadowed earlier, the Linux-based Nokia N810 internet tablet is now official. The little PC that's scarcely larger than the palm of your hand hooks up to the internet via Wi-Fi, and also can snag a Bluetooth connection with your cellphone.

Google, Apple and the future of personal computing — I confess: My last post, about the Zonbu, was frivolous. The Zonbu will be lucky to be a footnote in the history of 21st century computing. Yes, it has the right model, more or less. What it doesn't have is the muscle.

Screenshots Out for Microsoft Office Live Workspace — Microsoft has been sharing with bloggers today some screenshots of the forthcoming Microsoft Office Live Workspace. The company made its most recent major announcement about the online collaboration suite that integrates with Office at the end of last month.

Google Maps Goes Social — Another piece from Google's social project has been released: Google Maps becomes social with the addition of user profiles. Until now, users could create personalized maps and write reviews for local businesses, but they didn't have an identity.

Cafe Latte attack steals data from Wi-Fi PCs — San Francisco (IDGNS) - If you use a secure wireless network, hackers may be able to steal data from your computer in the time it takes to have a cup of coffee. — At the Toorcon hacking conference in San Diego this coming weekend …

Dollars For Doostang — We've heard that Shasta Ventures put $3.5 million into LinkedIn competitor Doostang, adding to the million or so that they raised previously in an angel round. — The service, which we first covered over two years ago, is a job site and social network where new users …